Residents Reeling from Flooding After Storm Bert

In the aftermath of Storm Bert, residents in counties Down and Tyrone are grappling with significant property damage and a sense of frustration over inadequate responses to flooding concerns. The storm unleashed hours of heavy rain, resulting in flooding that affected around 18 homes and numerous vehicles in Park Avenue, Dundonald.

Frustrations Mount Over Delayed Responses

As the floodwaters began to rise on Saturday morning, many residents reached out for help. One local, Melissa McComb, reported contacting the Department for Infrastructure’s flooding incident helpline at approximately 07:30 GMT but saw no assistance until much later.

With water levels escalating rapidly, McComb noted her alarm when water began surging from a nearby manhole. Despite moving her car to higher ground and seeking sandbags for protection, she returned home to find the situation had worsened significantly.

Her husband was trapped inside their flooded house until well into the afternoon. McComb expressed her disappointment with the response time from authorities, believing that a quicker action could have mitigated the disaster.

Residents have been vocal about their concerns regarding flooding in the area over the past year. For McComb, it has become increasingly disheartening as little progress appears to have been made despite prior assurances from local officials.

Community Impact and Emergency Support

Local councillor Samantha Burns acknowledged that this marked the first instance of floodwater entering homes on Park Avenue. While she believed previous issues had been addressed, the recent events revealed ongoing vulnerabilities in infrastructure.

Another resident, Mehdi Mozadeh, who moved into his home just three months ago with his family, faced extensive damage due to flooding. He expressed uncertainty about his next steps as he navigates this challenging situation.

In response to the crisis, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons activated an emergency payment scheme providing £1,000 to households experiencing severe disruptions from flooding. However, Mozadeh lamented a lack of immediate support since the disaster struck.

As Northern Ireland braces for further inclement weather—with wind warnings in effect—the community’s resilience will be tested once again.

With serious questions lingering about infrastructure readiness and response strategies for future storms, residents are left hoping for meaningful changes that will safeguard their homes against similar catastrophes down the line.